Overview & Reviews

Why are Honda vehicles so highly regarded by American drivers? Certainly, their excellent reputation for reliability and quality is a major factor. But it also has to do with the overall driving and owning experience. Read any Honda review and you'll likely notice common themes such as thoughtful design, a friendly nature, better-than-average fuel economy and attention to safety.

Japan-based Honda Motor Company was founded in 1948 by Soichiro Honda. The company got its start making motorbikes. Japan had been rendered cash poor and fuel-starved after World War II, and its citizens were hurting for an inexpensive, fuel-efficient mode of transportation. Honda's first motorcycles mated engines with bicycles to create a motorbike that was cheap to make and operate.

Honda's bikes quickly evolved into vehicles far more sophisticated than small engines stuck into bicycle frames. The manufacturer's 1949 D-Type could reach speeds of up to 50 mph, and offered front and rear suspension. The 1950s saw the launch of the successful Juno scooter, built to steal market share from the Vespa knockoffs that were popular in Japan at that time. In the latter part of that decade, Honda introduced the ultra-successful C100 Super Cub. The motorbike was remarkably easy to operate and featured a crossbar-free frame that made it popular with women. It went on to become the first Honda motorbike sold in the U.S. via then-new American Honda Co. in 1959.

By the early 1960s, Honda had built its first automobiles for the Japanese home market and entered Formula One racing. But it wasn't until 1970 that it exported its first car, the diminutive N600, to the U.S. The automaker initially had a hard time sparking interest among American buyers, but that all changed in 1973 with the introduction of the Civic. The car was larger than Honda's previous models even though it was still very petite compared to compact American cars. The Civic's high fuel efficiency (an important selling point given that decade's energy crisis) and affordability made it Honda's first American success story. By 1976, the Civic had been joined by the Accord, which quickly became a favorite with U.S. consumers as well.

By the 1980s, Honda's success and its reputation as a maker of well-built reliable cars and motorcycles continued to grow. It began building Accords in the U.S. in 1982 and by 1989 had earned the distinction of making America's most popular car. This was also the decade in which Honda created the Acura brand as a way to sell more upscale and luxurious vehicles. Throughout this decade and into the 1990s, the Civic and Accord were huge sellers and considered class benchmarks. Also during this time, Honda continued to innovate through such technologies as variable valve timing, aluminum body construction and improved safety features.

Today, Honda's lineup runs the gamut. Included are fuel-sipping hybrids, a spacious minivan, reliable family sedans, practical SUVs and even a pickup. Although the latest Civic and Accord aren't quite the benchmarks they once were for their respective classes, Honda's brand as a whole continues to be one of the most well respected in the industry, with millions of loyal and satisfied customers.

User Reviews:

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  Great and Practical Car - 2007 Honda CR-V
  By Neha - September 10 - 9:03 am

  Overall, I find this car running smooth and well. I went through a lot of dealerships to get this car and dealt with some shady ones that wouldnt honor their written quotes, especially Hayward Honda in CA. Dont go there! They say one thing and mean the other. Exterior and interior are built well and comfortable to sit in. There is plenty of room in the cargo area, easy to take someone to the airport with lots of luggage.

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  91 Honda Accord EX 2Dr - 1991 Honda Accord
  By Dave - September 10 - 9:01 am

  I bought this car as a daily driver for $2000 in 2005. At first I thought I over paid for this car. I changed my mind. At 160,000 miles it still uses less than 1 Qt oil per oil change. It has some minor rust behind the rear wheels. It is fun to drive, gets 35 MPG. and can pass people if need be.

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  Great little truck! - 2017 Honda Ridgeline
  By Will - September 10 - 8:55 am

  I was in the market for a mid-size truck to hand down to my teenage son in a few years. I looked at the Tacoma...looks cool...drives like a tank. Then there was the Colorado/Canyon...nice trucks...dont really care for the looks and the interior is cramped and cheap looking. I didnt even consider the Frontier. Then I test drove a Ridgeline and that was it! Comfortable, quiet, smooth riding and handles great! The more I drive it, the more I like it. I only have a few complaints...as many have stated before, the rear doors do not open wide enough and you do feel a little engine breaking under deceleration. Its faint but I do notice it. The only quality issue Ive experienced so far is one of the sun visor clips is loose. I gonna have to bring it in to get it fixed. Ive added Husky mats front and rear and the cargo net for the bed. My son may have to wait a while for this one.

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  Total Turkey - 2006 Honda Odyssey
  By Total Turkey - September 10 - 6:57 am

  Bought what I thought was the best minivan on the market in 06. Huge disappointment. Gas mileage is horrible. 14.5 average around suburbs 20 on highway. Can hit the rated 25 mpg on highway but only if driving 65, lightly loaded, completely flat surface. Very under-engineered vehicle. Doesnt stop well and Michelin PAX tires wear out very quickly. Needed new front brakes and tires at 33k miles, and we are not hot rodders. I have 76k miles on my BMW and still have original set of brakes w/25k left. Only bright side is that its a good people hauler comfortable with lots of room for cargo. But I will never buy another large Honda. They only know how to make small cars.

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  great - 2016 Honda Accord
  By fred waters - September 10 - 6:18 am

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  2 Years, No Complaint ! - 2007 Honda Fit
  By Al G - September 10 - 12:14 am

  I had this car for 2 years and have put 20,000 miles on it. It havent had any problem except for 2 very minor issues, such as rear window wiper cable disconnection. Those are easy fix. Best looking and mileage among all sub-compact cars. Honda builds great cars and manages their service shops very well. This is my 3rd post on this car for Edmunds.

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  nice truck - 2008 Honda Ridgeline
  By mike - September 9 - 9:25 pm

  First and foremost i would recommend this to anyone looking to buy a small to mid size truck. Very fun to drive, lots of room, nice trunk in the bed, enough power, nice brakes. I have had a few issues with it, the rear tailgate is broke and will not swing out (handle seems broken, will get that taken care next oil change), had part of the ceiling fall down (was repaired). The navigation system works well and has a large screen but the more i use it i wish it had more features. Have not driven it in snow yet so have yet to test the all wheel drive system.

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  Started out great, rattles now - 2005 Honda Accord
  By 4runnering - September 9 - 7:26 pm

  Great car when first purchased, but interior rattles and questionable brakes have removed most hope of this being a longterm car. The car was delivered with 5 defects, most which were fixed. Included, bent left rr dr window sill seal, buzzing drivers arm rest, defective drivers door speaker, buzzing sunglass holder and a visible paint flaw in the hood. Two new rattles have shown up since then. The area aft of the sunroof on passengers side(sounds like two pieces of metal) and a popping sound from the A pillar at the dashboard. After 4 visits to the dealer the problem still persists. The brakes on this car do not modulate well when first starting out, almost like an on off switch

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  dangerous obstruction - 2004 Honda Element
  By amylou - September 9 - 3:10 pm

  I have enjoyed my Honda Element. Ease of cleaning is top of the list. The primary complaint I have is that there is a profound obstruction in the view of oncoming traffic due to the vertical supports on the sides of the front windshield. I have had more than two very near miss T-bones because I absolutely didnt see oncoming cars and pulled out in front of them. After I realized the problem I compensate for that now, but this is a serious safety issue.

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  Slightly dissapointed - 2008 Honda Fit
  By chin - September 9 - 1:17 pm

  Got the fit sport 5 speed.after 2000 miles, the average MPG is around 33. strictly highway around 37.expected more from such a small car.(coming from a 02 Chevy Prizm) I drive the speed limit, slow starts and all the tricks on the book. 109hp feels weaker than 105 hp on a 96 geo prizm. engine screams at 70 mph.(over 3500 rpm) the good: perfect transmission, one of the best Ive seen. fun to drive.responsive engine.quality interior for the price.Honda reliability (hopefully)